dieback

noun

die·​back ˈdī-ˌbak How to pronounce dieback (audio)
: a condition in woody plants in which peripheral parts are killed (as by parasites)

Examples of dieback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Camellias are also susceptible to a number of diseases, the most serious of which are flower blight, root rot, and camellia dieback and canker. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 Pruning during drought diverts water from essential plant needs and often results in overall plant dieback. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024 Pruning Pruning will help restrict the height or width of the tree if desired and is sometimes needed to remove damage from winter dieback after extremely cold temperatures. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024 According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the spotted lanternfly can cause damage, including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback to trees, crops, vines, and other plants. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dieback 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dieback was circa 1886

Dictionary Entries Near dieback

Cite this Entry

“Dieback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dieback. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on dieback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!